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Pros and Cons of Twist Carpet
Don’t get the benefits and drawbacks twisted
Photo: kornc / Adobe Stock
Photo: kornc / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Twist carpet is made with tightly twisted carpet fibers that are cut, not looped.
Twist carpet with a face weight of 40 to 60 ounces per square yard is best for high-traffic areas.
You should vacuum this style of carpet several times per week.
Twist carpet costs $1 to $9 per square foot.
Look for durable twist carpet with five to seven twists per inch (TPI).
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What if you could have a carpet that feels soft to walk on and doesn’t look dirty or crushed (even in high-traffic rooms, hallways, or living rooms)? It’s not too good to be true—you just need twist carpet. Twist carpet is a carpet style that offers the best of both comfort and durability, making it a popular choice for many homes today, but it does have some drawbacks. Consider these twist carpet pros and cons for your next carpet installation.
What Is Twist Carpet?
Twist carpet is a type of carpet in which each fiber is twisted to some degree, with fibers densely packed and cut for a soft feel that’s highly durable. The twisted, cut-pile design of twist carpet means this floor material works well in high-traffic spaces, won’t crush underfoot, and hides dirt well. But those twisted fibers are also more challenging to clean, and the higher the carpet twist number, the more it will cost.
| Pros of Twist Carpet | Cons of Twist Carpet |
|---|---|
| Good for high-traffic areas | Harder to clean |
| Hides dirt and stains | Not as soft as other options |
| Won't crush | Can come at a higher cost |
Pros of Twist Carpet
Twist carpet comes with many benefits, especially if you need a long-lasting, durable carpet.
Good for High-Traffic Areas
Twisted carpet has fibers that are wound together, or twisted, which means these fibers stand up strong even against repeated foot traffic. Twist carpet is a durable choice when considering what carpet to install in high-traffic areas, with the benefit of feeling softer than some other types of high-traffic carpet.
If you do want twist carpet for high-traffic spaces, look for a carpet face weight of 40 to 60 ounces per square yard. This face weight is optimal for high foot traffic.
Hides Dirt
Twist carpet fibers are densely packed and have a looser construction, meaning they don’t stand up rigidly. The more relaxed, close-together fibers help disguise lint, pet fur, dirt, and other debris in between vacuuming sessions.
Unlikely to Crush
Although the fibers are relaxed, they aren’t so soft or plush that they’ll completely collapse underfoot. The fibers are strong enough to not show foot prints or vivid vacuum lines while still maintaining a soft feel.
Cons of Twist Carpet
Despite how great twist carpet can be in many rooms, it’s not perfect. Consider these drawbacks before installing this type of carpet.
Harder to Clean
All those little twisted fibers hide dirt well, but they can also hide it so well that it’s hard to clean. Dirt and debris can become trapped along the twists, and spills can easily stream between fibers and travel far before you have a chance to sop up the liquids.
To clean and maintain your carpet, you’ll need to vacuum several times per week and schedule a professional deep-clean once per year.
Pro Tip
Typically, carpets should be steam cleaned every 6 to 12 months. The frequency may be less if the carpet is not used often, but foot traffic, pets, and allergies can affect the carpet. If the carpet receives a great deal of foot traffic or is in a home with multiple pets, quarterly cleaning may be appropriate.
Less Soft
Twist carpet doesn’t feel rough underfoot by any means, but it’s not like walking on a cloud, either. If you’re hoping for a luxuriously soft, cushiony carpet with a velvety finish, consider plush carpet instead.
Higher Cost
Twist carpet comes in various costs based on brand, twist number, face weight, and other factors. Higher twist number and face weight will increase the cost, but these factors also mean your carpet will be more durable and longer lasting. Twist carpet costs $1 to $9 per square foot.
Alternatives to Twist Carpet
Photo: Chinnapong / Getty Images
Twist carpet is a type of cut-pile carpet, and alternatives to cut-pile are loop or the combination cut-and-loop style. Each type offers a distinct look and feel, so consider these differences to decide which options could work best based on your preferences.
| Type of Carpet | Description |
|---|---|
| Twist | Twisted fibers that are cut across the top; soft and durable |
| Loop | Fibers are in rounded, looping shapes; stylish and textured |
| Cut-and-loop | Mixture of cut and looped fibers; stylish yet durable |
Is Twist Carpet Right for You?
Twist carpet could be right for your project if you want a soft, but not overly plush, carpet that’s durable enough for high-traffic areas and homes with pets and kids. However, if you want an extremely soft carpet, plush carpet is a better option. For easy cleaning, consider a low-pile carpet with fibers less than 1/4-inch tall.
After choosing a carpet for your project, it’s best to leave installation to a carpet installer near you, who can lay the carpet quickly and securely. A pro can disguise seams and ensure the carpet is as resistant as possible to heavy foot traffic.
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